Viva el Fútbol: Jairo Arrieta

Jairo Arrieta shares his experiences of representing Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifying

October 2, 2013

TheCrew.com

The ¡Viva el Fútbol! video series provides a look into Crew players’ Hispanic roots in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. In this third episode, Crew forward Jairo Arrieta talks about the traditional “Pura Vida” phrase, his hometown and his experience with “La Sele.”

PURA VIDA

Pura Vida is a phrase that is internationally representative of Costa Rica and that reflects the Costa Rican way of life. This phrase can be used as a question, an acknowledgement, a greeting or a farewell.

Pura Vida signifies the simplicity of good living, humility, well-being, happiness, optimism and appreciation for what’s simple and natural; and it is also closely tied to the country’s enormous biodiversity.

Most publications attribute the origin of this phrase to a 1956 Mexican movie called “Pura Vida!” and claim that the phrase was organically adopted by the people of Costa Rica from that point on. Today, the phrase is so ingrained into Costa Rican culture that it is often used by visitors (ex. politicians, musicians etc.) to demonstrate their understanding of the culture and to connect with the local audience.

More ¡VIva el Fútbol!

Crew defender Agustín Viana welcomes us into his house to talk about his youth in Uruguay, his love for the countryside and the traditional mate beverage.